San Diego luxury homes have the benefit of a world class climate and spectacular beaches–and being only a couple of hours to Palm Springs or local mountains for winter skiing.
by Roberta Murphy Realtors in California were groaning when the new tax laws hit this year. Luxury home sales were sure to crash and burn. You see, the new tax code puts a limit on how much one can deduct in state and local property taxes–as well as income or sales tax–up to a measly total of $10,000. So when new tax laws went into effect, high profile experts were…
Once in awhile, a listing comes along that that will literally blow your socks off and force your feet into flipflops. That’s what a Tommy Bahama home would look like to me. This gorgeous single story custom pool home in Fallbrook offers breezy 360 views plus luxurious upgrades and extras that we can only begin to describe. And more photos will follow in the next few weeks as the listing prepares…
Jumbo Loans are Back with a Bang to Fuel the Luxury Real Estate Market by Selena Cowell Is the luxury real estate market on the mend? Home sales and prices are gradually rising in those places where the wealthy would like to plant their mailboxes–such as Chicago’s North Shore, the San Francisco Bay area, the haute Hamptons and the Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla areas near San Diego. According…
Between Rancho Santa Fe and the beaches in Encinitas sits an irreplaceable plot of land that surely belongs to another century. The wide and expansive rear lawn backs up to pasture, wetlands and forest beyond. Family of deer come grazing and cows come to visit when the lawnmower is at work. Late afternoons, it is not unusual to see colorful hot air balloons gliding across the sky–and the stars at…
by Roberta Murphy We have noted a decided uptick in our own luxury real estate market in San Diego. Home shoppers from Europe, Canada, Mexico, Asia and the United States seem to have collectively decided that now is the best time to invest in coastal San Diego–in communities ranging from Coronado and downtown San Diego to La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe. Apparently, this is a…
by Roberta Murphy Years ago, when we put our first home on the market, I insisted that the Realtor put NO SIGN in our yard. I did not want neighbors to know that we were selling or cause any disruption in our neighborhood. Our agent tried to explain the importance of a sign, but I was the incalcitrant client–and we ended up selling the home with NO SIGN. This of…
by Roberta Murphy Construction of new luxury homes has been at a near-standstill for the last five years, but might we be seeing a resurgence of luxury apartment building in the most unlikely place: The suburbs? In the past year, we have watched and quietly commented on the construction of what appeared to be upscale condominiums in La Costa, located in south Carlsbad and just north of San Diego proper….
by Roberta Murphy Most of us appreciate the earthy luxury of a true wine cellar and also see the value of repurposed materials emerging as elements in our homes. But how about a slice from the best of both worlds and have rich wood flooring crafted from old California wine barrels? I’ve seen serving trays and other novelties emerge from wine barrel tops, but hardwood flooring from the actual wine…
by Roberta Murphy The Elegance of Venetian Plaster When first entering this newer San Diego luxury home, we were amazed by its wall and ceiling finishes. Walking slowly from room to room, one can run fingers over the cool burnished walls and the gray stone door arches. The touch is smooth and cool. Even the ceilings and dome gave the impression that we had indeed been transported to a Venetian…
by Roberta Murphy At San Diego Previews, we deal with a number of people who are relocating to the San Diego area. They may be from from the East Coast, the desert, Bay area, Midwest or Europe, but all have pretty specific ideas about the lifestyle they anticipate in sunny Southern California. Many of these seekers are seasoned and affluent home buyers–ones who can be pretty specific about the features…
